By Esteban Fernandez, Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University officials celebrated the launch of an ambitious, first of its kind program designed to help foster children excel in a college environment on Friday.
“This may be the first one in the state of West Virginia,” Senate President Craig Blair said. “But mark my words, in 10 years, this will be replicated all over the country.”
After some two years of planning, the university now hosts Middle College, a program dedicated to giving foster students across the state age 16 and 17 the opportunity to earn not only a high school diploma, but also work toward an associate’s degree. Fairmont State in partnership with KVC West Virginia, Marion County Schools and the West Virginia Department of Educations’ Schools of Diversion and Transition created the program. KVC is a national behavioral health organization that provides foster care and case management therapy services.
The state has the highest rate of children entering foster care nationwide.
Middle College Executive Vice President Brent Lemon said foster children often lack the support they need to succeed in school. Middle College’s goal, therefore, will be to connect those youth to the support structure they need to build success. Lemon said it’s important for foster students to have access to professional, services that can help them work through trauma.
